SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Three men were arrested Wednesday in a prostitution sting near the Maine Mall, according to Sgt. Steven Webster.
Arrested and charged with engaging a prostitute were Thomas Kahl, 64, of Vermont, Robinson Rich, 25, of Cape Elizabeth and Willard Putnam, 56, of Windham, according to Webster.
The sergeant said the purpose of the operation was to target customers of prostitutes. South Portland police were assisted by Gorham police, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Homeland Security Human Trafficking Task Force.
Webster said the three who were arrested responded to an ad on social media and arrived at a predetermined location expecting to have a sexual encounter in exchange for money with a supposed prostitute.
The supposed prostitute was an undercover police officer, and all three suspects were subsequently arrested.
